IHL honors Lawrence for diversity efforts

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning recently presented Mark Lawrence with the Black History Month Educator of the Year award for Mississippi State University's Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine. Pictured are IHL trustee Bob Owens, co-chair of the Diversity Committee, Lawrence and Greg Bohach, DAVFM vice president.

Mark Lawrence, associate dean and professor at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, has been honored for his efforts to increase diversity within the veterinary profession.

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning recently presented Lawrence with the Black History Month Educator of the Year award for MSU's Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.

"Dr. Lawrence's efforts to recruit minority students into our Summer Research Experience Program as a part of our partnership with Tuskegee University's School of Veterinary Medicine allows students to be exposed to facets of the veterinary practice outside of private practice," said Kent Hoblet, the CVM's dean. "His efforts help to ensure the continued growth and diversity of our profession."

MSU-CVM has conducted the Summer Research Experience program for the last 11 years. It gives many students their first exposure to research and provides a series of educational experiences, including workshops, career development opportunities, meetings with research leaders, visits to veterinary research facilities, field work and laboratory time.

Lawrence holds a bachelor's degree in veterinary science and a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Texas A&M University, and a doctorate in veterinary microbiology from Louisiana State University. He has worked at the CVM for 14 years and has won numerous awards for research and service.